Psyche Foods, West (2025)

10/07/2021

THYME

One of the most popular culinary herbs and one of our Psyche Food favourites!

We shared a post about rosemary earlier this week and its important historical use. Thyme also has a long history of medicinal healing and protective applications dating back to the Roman era.

Thyme belongs to the mint family (we'll be featuring mint brain benefits in future posts) and can be regularly ingested in low concentrations, to improve feelings of well-being. This is thanks to the compound found in thyme called carvacrol, which is present in significant amounts and is also responsible for boosting our immune system.

Thyme also contains potent antioxidants like vitamin C which protect the brain from disease and rapid aging.

NOTE: It's best to consume this herb in normal food amounts. Remember too much of any ingredient can be harmful to our health.

The same amount of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants are present in both fresh and dried thyme. Try adding 1-2 tsp of thyme to your favourite teas, salads, soups and sauces.

10/06/2021

Since we just shared a post about rosemary, it seemed fitting to talk about the brain benefits of garlic; the ideal flavour pairing to any fresh herb!

Garlic's strong aroma originates from the sulfur compounds it contains. It's these compounds that provide an excellent source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection.

The high antioxidant content benefits the brain by making it more resilient to the stress and inflammation associated with neurological diseases and aging.

Raw garlic can enhance production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that has a positive effect on mood. Garlic is also quite high in selenium which supports better motor skills, coordination, memory and focus.

The best way to consume garlic and obtain the greatest health benefits would be raw. Be sure to crush it to release beneficial enzymes and add in a vinaigrette recipe or even to a smoothie.

Try this easy smoothie recipe for boosting your mood and immune system!

1-2 medium size carrots
1 tbsp of chopped ginger
2 oranges peeled, de-seeded
2 cloves of fresh garlic

Add it all into a blender and pulse until desired consistency is reached. Add some cold water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

10/05/2021

Rosemary, particularly rosemary oil, has been used since the time of the early Greeks and Romans in various applications from healing joint pain to skin conditions, calming the nerves, reducing depression and inducing a restorative sleep.

Several recent studies indicate the high level of antioxidant compounds in rosemary can protect brain cells from oxidative damage which essentially equates to a positive impact on focus and memory.

Rosemary may become useful in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease in the near future. Researchers have discovered that certain phytochemicals in the herb prevent the degradation of acetylcholine, an important brain chemical needed for normal neurotransmission. A deficiency of this chemical is commonly seen in Alzheimer's patients.

Best way to consume:

Try rosemary tea! It's great for boosting you immune system, digestion and as mentioned reduce oxidative stress.

Use 1 tsp of fresh rosemary leaves for every cup of boiled water. Steep for 5 minutes and then discard the leaves. Add a bit of honey or lemon for added flavour.

09/29/2021

LEAFY GREENS

Watercress, spinach, kale, swiss chard as well as fresh herbs like parsley are high in folate (Vitamins B6 & B12) a nutrient proven to alleviate depression and boost energy. Leafy greens are loaded with antioxidants that protect brain cells from “free radicals” that can cause disease and rapid aging.

They're also packed with magnesium which helps facilitate restorative sleep which makes us more stress resilient!

09/23/2021

Let's talk about Cinnamon!

In ancient times, cinnamon was worth more than gold as it was believed to have medicinal properties which made it extremely valuable. Today, scientists know that cinnamon has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in the body and brain.

Not all cinnamon is the same and so the question is, which one should you use? Let's discuss the two main types of cinnamon.

Cassia cinnamon is the standard grade cinnamon sold in most stores and it contains coumarin. This can be toxic to the liver if taken in large amounts or over a long period of time.

Ceylon, also known as “true cinnamon” is a little more expensive but has a smaller amount of coumarin in it, which makes it safer. It also contains higher amounts of beneficial nutrients so well worth the extra spend.

Did you know that the aroma of cinnamon works better than peppermint and jasmine in boosting cognitive function? Keep a bouquet of cinnamon sticks on your desk.

Cinnamon is full of phytochemicals (healthy plant compounds) that support brain health so be sure to stock your pantry with this Psyche Foods favourite. Our new Psyche Foods cookbook will feature some delicious dishes using cinnamon as a key ingredient! Stay tuned!

09/21/2021

We find limes to be a very interesting brain food. Limes (and lemons) are high in potassium which is a mineral that is vital for proper function of the nervous system and the brain. Low potassium levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, and brain fog.

Limes contain good % ratios of calcium and magnesium in significant quantities, promoting calmness and restorative sleep.

GET THE FULL BRAIN BENEFIT OF LIMES!
There is a proper way of getting the most benefit from this powerful citrus and it's not just by dropping a slice into a glass of water.

First thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, before eating or drinking anything else squeeze the juice from half a lime into half a glass of water*, stir it and drink. Don’t use bottled “lime juice” - use fresh fruit!

*We suggest warm water in the morning, as drinking cold water, creates a temperature mismatch in your gut which can impact your digestive health

Wait approximately 30 minutes before eating any food to get the best results.

09/20/2021

Did you know that one cup of beets provides over 30% of your daily folate needs? This is so beneficial to brain health because folate deficiencies have been known to trigger depression, mental fatigue and insomnia.

Beets also contain naturally occurring nitrates, which has been linked to an increase of blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and possibly reduce the risk of dementia.

Beets are also a good source of carotene, B complex and vitamin C which are supporting antioxidants for boosting mood and brain health.

HOW TO EAT MORE BEETS?
We find raw is best because beets can lose up to 40% of their folate nutrient content if cooked.

09/17/2021

Raw cacao (cacao nibs featured here) is one of the richest sources of magnesium you can find from a food source. Magnesium can help reduce stress by suppressing the release of the stress hormone cortisol.

Cacao nibs contain healthy fats and other compounds that can increase the levels of the hormones serotonin and dopamine in your brain, which impacts your mood.

Raw cacao is rich in a phytonutrient known as a flavonol. Flavonols have been shown in numerous studies to improve blood flow to the brain. When you improve blood flow, and therefore oxygen to the brain, researchers have seen significant improvements in mental focus and attention span.

09/15/2021

Bananas are a great source of potassium. As part of a healthy functioning nervous system, your brain needs potassium.

Potassium helps carry oxygen to your brain and maintain healthy cognitive function. It also helps carry impulses from the brain to the large muscles, including the gut a.k.a. the "second brain". Bananas are a source of food for the healthy bacteria in your gut.

09/10/2021

Kiwi Brain Benefits:

*Most nutrient dense of all fruits

*Balance blood sugar levels which impact mood, depression and the ability to focus

*Contain a bioavailable glucose that serves as food for neurons in the brain

*With over 40 trace minerals and high source of vitamin C, kiwi do an amazing job of nourishing the brain and boosting immune system increasing stress resilience

*The fuzzy skin is rich in flavonoids, a particularly potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radical cells before they can cause damage in the brain & body

*Seeds are said to remove radiation from the body and inhibit viruses.

Best Way to Eat:

*Try slicing a kiwi and adding it to a smoothie with the skin on

*Be sure to wash thoroughly with a solution of one teaspoon apple cider vinegar & water before use.

09/09/2021

Cabbage Brain Benefits:

*Very powerful brain food (purple variety is the most powerful)

*Contains vitamin K, and the antioxidant anthocyanin, which boosts mental function and concentration

*Helps protect the nerves against damage and degeneration

Best Way to Consume:

This will benefit your second brain - the gut!

*Fermenting cabbage with salt gives you sauerkraut and this tasty side dish contains lactic acid, digestive enzymes, vitamin C and high levels of lactobacillus probiotics that fight infection, help with digestion and improve mental health.

09/08/2021

Our founder, Patricia Borsato is leading a free virtual information session to promote her upcoming Brain Nutrition Series with Ryerson's The Chang School of Continuing Education. Access details and registration here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjjSE8Ijb31PfTaPKCKCrRm1zZnyCXfVZkJo_kTl3xqO_P_A/viewform

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